Gunmen abduct 10 traders in Kogi bus attack

Suspected kidnappers reportedly attacked two buses in the Ofugo area of Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State, abducting ten traders who were returning from a local market. The incident occurred last Thursday morning when armed men intercepted the two buses at gunpoint, forcing the victims—comprising women, men, and youths—into the forest. According to a witness, […]

Suspected kidnappers reportedly attacked two buses in the Ofugo area of Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State, abducting ten traders who were returning from a local market.

The incident occurred last Thursday morning when armed men intercepted the two buses at gunpoint, forcing the victims—comprising women, men, and youths—into the forest.

According to a witness, most of those abducted were market women from Inye, a community within the district, who were on their way home from a popular market where they conduct business.

Alewo Ajeka, a resident of Inye, stated, “My sister was among the victims that were kidnapped; she was lucky to have escaped due to the heavy rain that night as the security forces were pushing harder on their abductors.”

She further reported that “six of those kidnapped are women, two men, and two young men.”

A local source indicated that a police patrol team and vigilantes launched a pursuit shortly after learning of the incident. This led to an encounter on Sunday where two people were reportedly rescued.

Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abductees, the source said.

“I can confirm, some of the kidnapped market people have regained their freedom from their abductors. We are still pushing harder to ensure the rest are rescued unhurt,” a reliable source from a security unit in the area confirmed.

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Aya, said he would request a briefing from operatives in the area to confirm the situation but had not gotten back to the reporter at the time of filing this report.